Derry truck drivers remanded on container death charge
Two lorry drivers have been remanded in custody after appearing in court in connection with the death of a man found in a container at Tilbury Docks in England.
Timothy Murphy, 33, is charged alongside Stephen McLaughlin with conspiring to facilitate illegal entry into the UK. Both men are from Derry in Northern Ireland.
Murphy is charged with between August 1 and 17 having conspired with McLaughlin “and together with other persons unknown to do an act, namely clandestinely convey 35 Afghan nationals by sea in to an English port, which facilitated the commission of a breach of immigration law”.
Murphy spoke only to confirm his name and personal details when he appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court in Essex.
He was remanded in custody for a plea and case management hearing at Basildon Crown Court on a date to be set during the week beginning November 17.
McLaughlin, a 34-year-old lorry driver, also spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and personal details from the dock.
He is also charged with conspiracy to “clandestinely convey 35 Afghan nationals by sea in to an English port which facilitated the commission of a breach of immigration law”.
McLaughlin was also remanded in custody to next appear by video-link for a hearing at Basildon Crown Court at a date to be set during the week beginning November 17.
Meet Singh Kapoor, 40, from Afghanistan, was found dead inside the container at the Essex port on August 16.
Mr Kapoor was among a group of 35 immigrants, including 13 children, the rest of whom survived the ordeal.
The group, whose ages ranged from one to 72 years, are believed to have fled Afghanistan after suffering persecution.
